Hotel review: How Sydney's new airport hotel Felix is defying the status quo

There's the sporadic rattle of the billboard-sized rota-panel, clacking in a crescendo behind me as it swivels through a roster of retrofied Brett Whitely-esque artworks. The familiar buzz and hiss of the espresso machine. The chitter of people, relaxing with a wine or picking out provisions from the shop.

Thankfully, the main attraction isn't so noisy – the impressive panorama of runways and towers staring back at us through the floor-to-ceiling glass panelled walls (thank the airline gods for sound proofing).

Planes take off and land, sometimes right overhead, with mesmerising frequency. It's arresting stuff. And were it not for the hip-hop ditties pulsating from the speakers or the glorious retro fittings, pink-laced furniture and suspended wicker chairs, you might even think you were in the middle of a terminal, waiting for your flight to be called.

We're not, of course. We're staying at Sydney's newest airport hotel, Felix, the latest multi-million dollar development by the achingly hip 8Hotels group, just a few minutes from Sydney Domestic Airport.

With its '60s-inspired décor, original artworks, cocktail bar and outdoor cinema, it feels decidedly more 'art' hotel than 'airport', offering a fun Gatsby-esque take that harks back to air travel's lavish golden era.

Architecture firm Fox Johnson's decision to immerse guests in the airport experience was a stroke of genius, with the runway show emerging as the surprise star attraction.

A stay at Felix begins in the Penthouse – the hotel group went down the trendy route, setting up the reception desk and dining area on the top floor.

While firmly positioned as a 4-star stay, there're still some seriously plush packages on offer for high flyers, including 'The Jet Setter' in which corporate clients fly their team in via private jet for a conference, thanks to a hotel partnership with Fly Airly.

But back to the hotel. Cute nods to the swinging sixties aviation theme are sprinkled throughout the building – an electronic flight display system in the lift wishing us a 'Happy Mardi Gras', viewing binoculars pointed at the runway from the lobby and shop space, and conference rooms adorably named 'Boeing' and 'Airbus'.

Here, convenience is king. A 24-hour self-serve shop spruiks a good selection of pre-packaged salads, sandwiches, pastries and sweets, as well as the airport essentials (neck cushions, toiletries, Panadol etc.). All items can be scanned and charged to your room.

The communal spaces have been designed with corporates and tech thirsty travellers in mind – think domed power boards, USB wall ports, and seriously speedy, password-free Wi-Fi. The all-day grab 'n' go station will also soon include Uber Eats offerings in a world-first partnership, so guests can order meals and have the cost added to the room tab.

For business travellers passing through, the plush retro décor by Cressida Kennedy of Space Control is a dazzling change to neighbourhood's other soulless stays (so artsy is it, we dub it 'QT lite'). Plush pastel furniture and art, suspended wicker chairs, neon signage and pink floor tiles light up the warehouse-like space, harking back to the golden days of aviation.

Downstairs, the 150 rooms are split into airline classes spanning Economy to First, with square-footage being the main differentiating factor.

As someone who frequents hotels, the addition of Netflix and USB ports did not go unnoted (it's the little things).

Rooms have been kept modest, freeing up funds for a splurge on the holy trinity of amenities – bed, shower and TV. And really, who can put a price on a good night's sleep or modern bathroom with great water pressure? The resulting plush bedding, rain shower, and 55" telly are worth the extra coin, we say – the blackout curtains don't hurt, either.

Felix ticks all the comfort and convenience boxes. But it's their playful reinvention of what an airport hotel should be that'll throw you, daring to embrace its aviation routes in a way that's fun, whimsical and at times glamorous. So pull up a swinging chair and enjoy the sky show.